SUI Faces $144M in Short Liquidations Near Key Resistance at $1.74 – Here’s What Happened
- What Triggered the $144M Short Liquidation for SUI?
- Why Was $1.74 Such a Critical Level for SUI?
- How Does This Compare to Past SUI Liquidations?
- What’s Next for SUI After This Volatility?
- FAQs About SUI’s $144M Liquidation Event
The SUI token recently witnessed a staggering $144 million in short liquidations as it approached a critical resistance level of $1.74. This event, occurring on February 18, 2026, highlights the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets and the high-stakes game of Leveraged trading. Below, we break down the details, analyze the implications, and answer key questions about this market shake-up. ---
What Triggered the $144M Short Liquidation for SUI?
The SUI token’s rapid price surge toward the $1.74 resistance level caught many traders off guard, leading to massive liquidations. According to data from CoinMarketCap, SUI’s price rallied by over 18% in 24 hours, forcing leveraged short positions to unwind. Analysts at BTCC noted that this MOVE was fueled by a combination of spot buying and futures market activity, creating a classic "short squeeze."

Why Was $1.74 Such a Critical Level for SUI?
The $1.74 mark had previously acted as a strong resistance point in early 2026, with multiple rejections recorded on TradingView charts. When SUI retested this level on February 18, the sheer volume of liquidations suggested a psychological battle between bulls and bears. "It’s like watching a tug-of-war where the rope suddenly snaps," remarked one BTCC market strategist.
---How Does This Compare to Past SUI Liquidations?
This event ranks among the top 3 largest single-day liquidation events for sui since its launch. Historical data shows a similar $98M liquidation in November 2025, but the 2026 incident stands out due to its sharper price rebound. For context, here’s a quick comparison:
| Date | Liquidation Volume | Price Level |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 18, 2026 | $144M | $1.74 |
| Nov 12, 2025 | $98M | $1.52 |
What’s Next for SUI After This Volatility?
While some traders see this as a bullish breakout signal, others caution that resistance levels often require multiple tests. The BTCC team emphasizes monitoring trading volume and open interest for clues. As of February 18, derivatives data showed a slight bias toward new long positions, but—let’s be real—crypto markets can flip on a dime.
---FAQs About SUI’s $144M Liquidation Event
How do short liquidations work in crypto markets?
When traders borrow assets to bet on price drops (shorting), exchanges force-close their positions if prices rise too sharply to prevent losses. This creates a cascade of buy orders, amplifying price spikes.
Did this event impact other cryptocurrencies?
Minor ripple effects were seen in mid-cap altcoins, but SUI’s liquidation was largely isolated. Bitcoin and ethereum remained stable within 2% of their prior levels.
Is BTCC a reliable source for crypto analysis?
BTCC is a well-established cryptocurrency exchange with a transparent track record. Their analysts provided timely insights during this event, though—pro tip—always cross-check data with CoinGecko or TradingView.